Mission Statement:We as Secular Franciscans are committed to seeking and promoting a closer relationship with God for ourselves and others by living the Gospel of Jesus Christ and by following St. Francis’ and St. Clare's example of simplicity, humility and service using the Rule of Life of the OFS as our guide.

March 2020 ` Volume 14 Issue 3

Month of St. Joseph

Monthly Gathering : Our next gathering will be March 15th at 1:00 in the Parish Center. Due to other events taking place on the same day our room at this point is TBD.

Council Meeting: Our next Council meeting will be on Saturday, April 4th

at 10:00 am. in the Parish Center.

Candidates: Read chapter 22 of the Franciscan Journey and be prepared to discuss the questions at the end of the chapter. Kyle will lead.

Retreat Assignment: Sr. Lois will lead our annual retreat. TO PREPARE FOR OUR RETREAT BEFORE MARCH 15 TH : please ponder the Sunday Gospel, John 4:5-42. Reflect on the Tau winter 2019 issue the on pages 12 & 13.  Probe deeply Rules 14 and 19 as well as General Constitutions 18, 19, 23, 26. Copies of the TAU articles are included with this issue of the Prism for those who do not yet receive the TAU. We will also be utilizing the Office of the Passion.

Let Us PrayHeavenly Father guide us to the path that leads to you. Fill our hearts with

gratitude, patience, strength, and peace. Let us hear your voice in the deepest reaches of our hearts. Help us develop discipline and generosity and come closer

to you through prayer this Lent. In your name we pray, Amen. 

Vulnerability Bears FruitfulnessSr. Lois Erpelding, OSF, Spiritual Assistant

Our Gospel pondering is ever new. As I reflect on this Sunday’s Gospel, John 4: 5-42,  the word, vulnerability, permeated my thinking. We encounter the narrative of an unnamed woman from

Samaria, who vulnerably takes risks as she attempts to draw water from a nourishing well. Simultaneously, a stranger to this woman is seated by the well. He, too, is vulnerable in this political area.   Questions were initiated. Insights arose. The woman remained unnamed. Abstract descriptive names for the stranger became less abstract in the dialog. This vulnerable woman shared her storied faith encounter of her people with the “One Who would satisfy thirst.” The encounter must have begun with vulnerable hesitancy. Eventually the woman was satisfied anew and left behind her water vessel. She was renewed for spirited evangelization as she returned to her village to share her encounter with the One, who satisfies thirst.”  As we come to our retreat afternoon Sunday, what vulnerability is part of our living?  How do we encounter others in peaceful ways? What questions may Francis have had as he encountered those who were vulnerable? What were some names Francis had for God? How do we name our God? Our Gospels help us to envision life. Our Franciscan Rule and Constitution guide our Franciscan journey. How will our Franciscan documents interweave during our shared retreat?  A coincidence is turning into a great opportunity. Sacred Heart sophomore retreat is also Sunday in Sacred Heart Parish Center. When this was discovered this past Saturday, one of the teen retreat organizers invited us to share together during a segment of our retreats.  They are

interested in knowing how our service broadens our awareness and changes us as faith filled Catholics. As the unnamed woman was led to evangelize, the Spirit invites each of us to share as well as be evangelized by our youth as we ponder their service outreach.

Bl. Jeanne-Marie de Maille

Bl Jeanne Marie de Maille was a Secular Franciscan who was married for sixteen years to the Baron de Silly. When the Baron was captured in battle, Jeanne sold everything to raise his ransom. But before she

could pay it, the Baron escaped with the help of the Virgin Mary. Widowed, she fell into complete homeless poverty, praying by day, sleeping with dogs by night. At age 57 she moved into a tiny room in a church at Tours, France. Her humility and holiness attracted visitors, many of whom she helped convert, and who were witness to healing miracles.

Something to Ponder

The nearer a man approaches to God, the greater the sinner he sees himself to be. Isn’t it wonderful to know God loves us anyway and is happy we are growing closer?

March Franciscan Saints and Blesseds1 Bl. Jean Kearney 1st Order2 St. Agnes Poor Clare3 Bl. Innocent de Berzo Capuchin4 Martyrs of Ethiopia 1st Order5 St. Jean-Joseph Priest 1st Order6 St. Colette of Corbie Poor Clare7 Bl. Christophe de Milan 1st Order8 St. Jean de Dieu Priest 1st Order9 St. Frances of Rome Tertiary10 St. Catherine of Bologne Poor Clare11 Bl. Jean-Baptiste Priest 1st Order12 Bl. Louis Orione Priest Secular13 Bl. Agnello de Pise Priest 1st Order14 St. Catherine de Genes Secular15 Bl. Louis de Casoria Priest 1st Order16 Bl. Torello de Poppi Secular17 Bl. Marc de Montegallo Pries 1st Order18 St. Salvator de’Horta 1st Order19 St. Joseph of Nazareth20 Bl. Hippolyte Galentini Secular21 Bl. Amedee IX de Savoie Secular22 St. Beinvenu d’Osimo Bishop 1st Order23 Bl. Jeremie Lambertenghi Priest Secular24 Bl. Catherine de Suede Tertiary25 Annunciation of Bl. Virgin Mary26 Bl. Didacus Joseph of Cadiz Secular27 Bl. Joseph-Sebastien Pelczar Secular28 St. Jean de Capistran Priest 1st Order29 Bl. Jeanne-Marie de Maile Secular30 St. Pierre Regalat, Priest 1st Order31 St Leonard Murialdo Priest Secular

Snack Schedule - 2020Jan Doreen, Arlys Jul Jenise, PatFeb Carol, Bonnie Aug Doreen, ArlysMar Rose Ann, Sr Lois Sep Picnic (All)Apr Jean, Peggy Oct Carol, BonnieMay Matt, Lisa Nov Rose Ann, Sr. LoisJun Kyle, Sarah Dec Jean, Peggy

Gospel Sharing Leaders - 2020Jan Matt Jul CarolFeb Kyle Aug ArlysMar Retreat Sep PicnicApr Peggy Oct JeniseMay Rose Ann Nov SarahJun Bonnie Dec Sr. Lois

Ongoing Formation Leaders - 2020Jan Carol Jul CarolFeb Sarah Aug SarahMar Retreat Sep PicnicApr Bonnie Oct Sr. LoisMay Kyle Nov KyleJunBonnie Dec Bonnie